Mission and History
The Patterson Furniture Company
The Pollard Theatre 1923
The Melba Theatre 1977
A Brief History of The Pollard Theatre
The site of the POLLARD THEATRE was originally occupied by a large wooden dry goods store, built shortly after the Land Run of 1889. The current building, of brick and native stone, was constructed in 1901 as the Patterson Furniture Store. It also served as the local funeral parlor, since it was easy enough for cabinet makers to also manage the town's need for coffins.
In 1919, George A. Pollard purchased
the building and converted it into a vaudeville house. Pollard was elected mayor of Guthrie in 1920 and leased the theatre to Ned Pedigo and A.B. Florence for five years. In 1926, A.R. Powell leased the theatre, where silent films and vaudeville programs continued until 1929. With the advent of "talkies" Powell reconstructed the building, adding hand-painted wall murals (intact to this day), Vita-Phone talking picture equipment, a grand marquee with room atop for an orchestra, and seating for 800. The new theatre was hailed as Oklahoma's first all-sound motion picture theatre. A contest was held to choose a new name, the winning selection being Melba, after a local citizen's daughter. During the Depression, Powell would accept an egg as admission - eggs were in short supply then - and he made a business of boxing them for sale in the theatre. The Powell family operated the Melba until 1986, and at present continue to operate the Beacon, Guthrie's drive-in theatre; one of the few remaining in the state.
The latest renovation of the building began in January, 1986 under the direction of Gralla Architects, with over $500,000 donated by private industry and foundations and a $120,000 Urban Development Grant. The auditorium and stage received most of the attention, since the task was to prepare a home for Oklahoma's resident professional theatre company. Students from Guthrie High School did a lion's share of the work, converting the 48' X 18' movie stage to the current 50' X 50' theatre stage, completing the proscenium arch, installing new seats and ensuring handicapped access. Riggers from San Antonio built a 14-line counterweight system for hoisting scenery, and the stage roof was raised 22 feet. Much of the old Melba was preserved, however, including the 1920s murals that adorn the auditorium and the original tin ceiling and wrought iron chandeliers in the lobby.
The Pollard Company was formed in late 1987 and took over much of the finishing work, creating the scene shop, dressing rooms, and office space in the adjacent Beland Building. The Pollard auditioned over 600 people to find the 17 who formed this original group. Many of the founding group still form the nucleus of the Pollard Company. The Company members continue to function as performers, directors, designers, carpenters, costumers, painters, and in all tasks a professional theatre requires.
The Guthrie Arts & Humanities Council
Mission and Artistic Goals
The mission of the Guthrie Arts & Humanities Council is to nurture endeavors in the arts and humanities that enrich the diverse culture of the Guthrie community, and encourage neighbors from near and far to share in that culture. In support of that mission, GA&HC has accomplished its primary goals of establishing and maintaining The Pollard Theatre, a year-round resident professional theatre company benefiting the City of Guthrie and the State of Oklahoma. As the focal project of the GA&HC, The Pollard Theatre strives to produce a wide variety of quality theatre experiences, on a year-round basis, for as many Oklahomans as possible. Predicated on these philosophies, the Pollard further strives to produce theatre that demonstrates versatility and excellence in artistic standards, while respectfully challenging artist, audience, and community.
(See Gralla Architects' historic preservation page for other Guthrie photographs.)
